Present-day stage in the development of worldwide spacecraft technology is characterized by an increasing use of electric propulsion (EP) for solving a broad spectrum of problems: from a correction of a spacecraft position in orbit to a radical change of its flight trajectory and implementations of interplanetary missions.

The Aerospace Plasma Laboratory (APL) was founded in 2015 by Asst. Prof. Igal Kronhaus for carrying out a program of research and development of innovative miniaturized plasma devices for propulsion applications. APL is currently active in two areas of research:
1. Electric rocket propulsion for nanosatellite applications